Travelling abroad has always been an opportunity for me to discover new cultures, ideas, and perspectives. However, my experience at the FHNW Swiss International Business Summer School in Switzerland showed me that travel also comes with a responsibility to make sustainable choices. It changed the way I think about my own environmental impact and inspired me to ensure that every international experience contributes positively to the communities and environments I visit.
During the programme, I studied Innovation for Sustainability and Regenerative Circularity in Fashion Design, Production, Trade and Retail. These modules demonstrated how businesses can reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and create products with sustainability at the centre of their design. I also delivered a presentation on sustainability, which encouraged me to explore the topic more deeply while exchanging ideas with students from different countries. These discussions reinforced that environmental challenges are global, and meaningful progress depends on collaboration across cultures.
One of the most valuable experiences was visiting Dr. Oetker, where we worked on a project to redesign the packaging of one of its products using more sustainable principles. Applying classroom knowledge to a real business challenge helped me understand that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. It showed me that thoughtful design choices can reduce waste, improve efficiency, and create lasting environmental benefits. This experience strengthened my interest in finding practical solutions to sustainability challenges.
The lessons I learned abroad have influenced my daily life as well. While living on campus, I regularly donated surplus food to the Community Fridge rather than allowing it to go to waste. Although it was a simple action, it reminded me that sustainability is built through consistent everyday decisions that support both people and the environment.
As I prepare for my exchange at San Diego State University, I want to continue travelling responsibly. I plan to use public transport and walk whenever possible, carry reusable items to reduce single-use plastics, minimise unnecessary printing by using digital resources, and be mindful of my energy and water consumption. I also hope to participate in campus sustainability initiatives and learn how sustainability is promoted within the local community.
These actions support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13: Climate Action. More importantly, they reflect my belief that sustainability is not achieved through one significant action but through the choices we make every day.
My journey from the University of Hertfordshire to Switzerland, and now to the United States, has shown me that travel is about much more than visiting new places. It is an opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, and return home with knowledge that can benefit others. I hope to bring these experiences back to my university and continue encouraging sustainable practices wherever my journey takes me.
